News

Epson America, Inc. has introduced the Epson PowerLite S4 -- a multi-purpose
3LCD projector in the sub-$700 category. Designed for on-the-go presenters, classroom
instructors and home users, the Epson PowerLite S4 projects presentations and
virtually all other forms of video content in up to 1,800 ANSI lumens of brightness
and SVGA (800 x 600) native resolution. Priced at $699 (estimated street price),
this 5.7-pound projector is easily transportable and features Epson technologies
that are designed to make setup and shut-down procedures as quick and trouble-free
as possible.

The Epson PowerLite S4 is designed to help reduce pre-presentation jitters and
stress on end users with unique, time-saving setup and shutdown features. The
projector's power-on verification tone gives presenters immediate assurance
that their projector is running the moment they press the on/off button, and just
four seconds later, the projector already begins to display an image. In addition,
the Epson PowerLite S4 automatically recognizes and adapts to video signals coming
from virtually all types of computers and video devices. And upon conclusion of
a presentation, Epson's Instant Off feature saves presenters even more time
and reduces further hassles by enabling them to turn off, unplug and pack up the
projector immediately and safely without a cool-down period.

The Epson PowerLite S4's 170-watt lamp produces 1,800 ANSI lumens of brightness
for vibrant, clear viewing of big screen images, even in well-lit rooms. It also
offers seven selectable color modes that are pre-programmed and optimized to enhance
image quality when connected to various video devices. Depending on the selected
application, users can choose color modes such as presentation, theater, gaming,
and even a photo mode with black-and-white enhancement levels to show off highlights
in photographs.

Epson 3LCD technology is a solid-state optical engine that works without a moving
color wheel, resulting in accurate color registration, detailed video and data
images that are crisp and rainbow-free.

The Epson PowerLite S4 is now available through national retailers, pro audio/visual
dealers, mail order, and PC resellers. Epson's PowerLite projectors come
with a two-year limited warranty that includes three elite technical support services
-- two-year Epson PrivateLine availability, two-year Road Service Program
and two-year International Warranty. Through the PrivateLine, projector owners
can directly access an expedited support telephone line by using a phone card
that is included with the product.

· Minimum focusing distance of 13.5cm and a maximum magnification of 1:6

· SLD glass minimizes color aberration

· Equipped with HSM with full-time manual focus override

· Equisolid angle projection method is possible for art and scientific
use

This autofocus circular fisheye lens has an angle of view of 180 degrees in
all directions. It is exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras with the
APS-C size image sensor. When used in conjunction with digital SLRs with APS-C
size image sensors, it produces a circular image within the frame. The F2.8
large aperture value produces a bright image in the viewfinder and allows photographers
to take pictures in low light conditions, making it an ideal lens for Astrophotography
and Aurora photography. Due to the quantifiable angle/area relationship it produces,
this lens can be used for scientific and arts applications such as solid angle
measurements of cloud distribution over the sky or vegetation distribution of
the forest. The minimum focusing distance of 13.5cm/5.3inch and maximum magnification
of 1:6 make it particularly useful for close-up photography. SLD(Special Low
Dispersion)glass provides effective compensation of chromatic aberration. Sigma's
Super Multi-Layer Coating minimizes flare and ghosting. It is equipped with
an inner focusing system that creates high definition and good image quality
over the whole frame. The HSM(Hyper Sonic Motor)ensures fast and quiet autofocusing
and allows full-time manual focus override by rotation of the focus ring.

Epson America introduced its most advanced 13-inch printer to date – the Epson Stylus Photo R3000.
Designed for professional photographers and fine artists, the Epson Stylus Photo R3000 draws
from the advanced technology of Epson Stylus Pro-series printers to deliver gallery-quality
black-and-white output and vivid color prints. This printer also includes new features such as
high-capacity individual ink cartridges, advanced media handling to support a wide range of
paper types, and Ethernet and wireless-N connectivity.

The
organizers of photokina will be bringing the "imaging is more" slogan
to life with a diverse program of top-quality supporting events. This program
will provide real added value to the international trade visitors and end-consumers
of photographic products. At the heart of the events for imaging professionals
from around the world will be the opportunity to share information on the latest
sector trends at the international level. In addition, exciting events for the
general public will offer interested consumers an insight into innovations in
the world of digital imaging.

New: International panel discussion on digital printing

On the second day of the fair, the Deutsche Drucker Verlagsgesellschaft in cooperation
with Koelnmesse will be organizing a panel discussion that will address issues
related to digital printing. Appropriately, the event will be titled "Digital
Printing: Innovative Products and Systems for the Imaging Market" with
international participants. According to the latest information, the participants
will be Antonio Perez, President and CEO of Kodak, Anne Mulcahy, Chairman and
CEO of Xerox, and Vyomesh Joshi, Executive Vice President of Hewlett Packard's
Imaging and Printing Group. The discussions will address the wealth of possibilities
for the printing of digital consumer photos and innovative products for professional
large-format printing.

(September 27, 2006, Congress Center North)

International Specialist Trade Center Service

I information and convenience will be the main issues of the International Specialist
Trade Center in Passage 2/4. The center will be open exclusively to international
trade dealers, the most important target group of the World of Imaging. The
International Specialist Trade Center is supported by the Federal Association
of the Technical Retail Trade (BVT), which represents the interests of all specialist
trade groups that sell digital imaging products.

The focal point will be the BVT Business Lounge. Each morning, dealers can prepare
here thoroughly for an effective and efficient visit to the fair. The services
and information offered include detailed trade fair information, specific product
details, individual problem solving and access to special databases. For example,
GfK Marketing Services will be offering ENCODEX, an electronic database containing
master data for products and featuring a new product catalogue that provides
access to a comprehensive range of imaging products at the touch of a button.
Convenience will also be the name of the game at a spacious meeting area, where
participants can hold in-depth talks. Meanwhile, visitors can relax and take
some time out from the hectic fair in a quiet lounge.

Olympus, sponsor of the US Open and the Olympus US Open Series, announces its
second annual national sweepstakes that will send five winners and their guests
on the trip of a lifetime to the 2008 US Open Tennis Championships in Flushing
Meadows, New York. Winners will receive a weekend getaway August 29-31, 2008,
which will include hotel, airfare, spending money and two tickets to the Grand
Slam tennis tournament. They will also be granted exclusive access to locations
normally limited to professional photographers where they can capture the on-court
and behind-the-scenes drama.

Starting in the Olympus luxury suite located in Arthur Ashe Stadium at the USTA
Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, winners will be coached by an award-winning
photographer, an Olympus Visionary, on best techniques for shooting nonstop tennis
action. They will have access to the photographers' lounge and other elite
locations, to capture images from a vantage point only the pros typically have.
The winners' ultimate photo experience will be in the exclusive Olympus
photo pit, shooting elbow-to-elbow with professional photographers and capturing
amazing up-close images of the tournament action with Olympus E-System digital
single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras.

Consumers purchasing an Olympus camera between May 13 and July 18, 2008 may register
to win by completing a registration form at participating retail locations, entering
online at www.getolympus.com,
or mailing a postcard or letter containing their name, mailing address, email
address and telephone number to: emg3, Shoot With the Pros, 215 Commercial St.,
Portland, ME 04101. Registration for the sweepstakes runs through July 18, 2008
and complete rules are available at www.getolympus.com/register.

Tamron USA, Inc. announced that Jude Wolpert was selected by Tamron judges
to attend Barnstorm XVII: The Eddie Adams Workshop this October. Tamron will
pay Wolpert's travel expenses as well as room and board fees so that she may
attend the tuition-free workshop.

Affordable "8x" Eight Slot Smart Charger from Powerex Maha Energy,
the maker of Powerex batteries and chargers, has introduced a new, affordable
eight cell smart charger for AA and AAA batteries. The "8x" is for
users who need to charge more than four batteries offered by the typical charger.
The new MH-C800S features eight independent slots that can charge one to eight
AA or AAA batteries in any combination around one to two hours. The unit also
incorporates a large LCD screen featuring the charging status of each battery.
This new charger uses the same precision microprocessor as its professional
sister model MH-C801D.

Leica Camera AG and Phase One A/S have agreed to enter into a long-term strategic alliance. Both companies are in mutual agreement on the terms of
close future cooperation in the technical development and marketing
of premium products for the professional photography segment. The
objective is to offer photographers innovative high-end solutions
that guarantee the greatest possible creative freedom and set
standards in terms of performance, quality and technological
maturity. Close cooperation has also been decided upon for the
expansion of effective service and marketing structures.

Datacolor is combining its intimate knowledge of the photographic digital workflow with a longtime heritage as an innovator in color management systems to develop an advanced, yet easy-to-use monitor calibration system for consumers and photo enthusiasts. Datacolor realizes that everyone with a digital SLR is not a pro but most enjoy achieving results like one. To help enthusiasts move a step closer to achieving this goal, Datacolor is introducing the new Spyder3Express monitor calibration system.

Apple has introduced Aperture, a unique all-in-one post production tool that
provides a sophisticated workflow that's designed to make working with
RAW images as easy as dealing with JPEG files. Aperture features powerful compare
and select tools that enable photographers to easily sift through massive photo
projects to quickly identify their final selections. Aperture has the unique
capability to automatically group sequences of photos into easy-to-manage "stacks"
based upon the time interval between exposures.

Bogen Imaging has announced a free webinar titled “The Language of One Light: Roundtable with Will Crockett.” Part of the company’s Bogen Café series of free instructional webinars, “The Language of One Light: Roundtable with Will Crockett” will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT, on Friday, March 13th. Joined by David Fisher, Bogen Imaging’s Metz and Gossen product manager, Will Crockett will provide photographers with innovative ideas on how to effortlessly create great lighting to help enhance one’s images and creativity.

Version 5.0 firmware for PocketWizard’s MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 brings the very latest features to both new and current PocketWizard owners. It offers two important features for Canon DSLR photographers. Its unique Rear Curtain Sync automatically engages to delay flash until the absolute end of the exposure with either on-camera or remote Canon speedlights as well as flashes triggered by standard PocketWizard radios or any studio flash with built-in PocketWizard receiver. Exclusive Pre-Flash Boost automatically increases preflash power to provide enhanced and more stable E-TTL performance for bounce flash, when using flash diffusers and for flash fill in bright daylight conditions.

Have you ever wanted to use Adobe Photoshop CS/CS2 to awaken the artist that
lies within? Now you can, with professional photographer, Photoshop instructor
and author Rick Sammon guiding you along the way with his personal, hands-on
lessons.